West Ham United manager Graham Potter is facing a fitness dilemma with striker Niclas Fullkrug ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.
Fullkrug recently returned from a lengthy three-month spell on the sidelines due to a serious hamstring injury.
While Potter is keen to ease him back into action carefully, the looming challenge against Liverpool may force his hand.
The German striker made an immediate impact in his return against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Though he didn’t score, Fullkrug came off the bench to trouble the Wolves’ defence, winning three out of five aerial duels and striking the woodwork with a late effort.
He also came close to assisting a late equaliser, showing signs of the quality West Ham have missed in his absence.
In the following match against Bournemouth, Fullkrug again started on the bench but came on to score the equaliser in a 2-2 draw, further bolstering his case for a starting role.
Now, with a trip to Anfield on the horizon, Potter must decide whether to hand Fullkrug his first start since January or continue managing his minutes carefully to avoid risking another setback.
“Niclas is clearly a top player,” Potter said in his pre-match press conference.
“We rate him highly, but it’s been a difficult season for him with injuries.
Right now, it’s about managing his recovery and making sure he’s getting the right amount of time on the pitch.
He trained with the team today, so as long as there’s no reaction, he should be in the squad.”
West Ham’s struggles in front of goal have become more pronounced under Potter’s tenure.
Since replacing Julen Lopetegui, the Hammers have collected only 12 points from 11 matches, with their attacking output among the worst in the league.
Only bottom-placed Leicester City have scored fewer goals in that period.
With a misfiring attack and a tough opponent ahead, Fullkrug’s return could be vital—but Potter remains wary of pushing him too soon.
